So, I'm doing everything I can to boost this thing called Metabolism. Again, I have to state that I am no expert in the area of Metabolic rate or how your body processes calories...but here is the official definition according to MedicineNet.com:
Metabolism: The whole range of biochemical processes that occur within an organism. Metabolism consists both of anabolism and catabolism (the buildup and breakdown of substances, respectively). The biochemical reactions are known as metabolic pathways and involve enzymes that transform one substance into another substance, either breaking down a substance or building a new chemical substance. The term is commonly used to refer specifically to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.
Long definition short...how your body takes the food that you ingest and transforms it into usable fuel for your body.
Over the years, I've noticed that youngsters have "crazy-high" metabolic rates...and as we get older, unless we are regularly active, it slows down. I've seen students eat huge amounts of disgusting food and never gain an ounce of weight. Before P90Xing (I love changing the usage!), if I ate the same thing as those students I would definitely gain weight. I've also seen people eat once a day without being able to lose weight at all. I'm guessing the thought is that if you eat once a day, your body uses up fat stored in your body?!? I've been in that camp before...not really fun at all!
So...clearly...the key to successful weight loss seems to be all about boosting your metabolism. In the limited research I've done, here's what does it: eating often and exercising.
Through the P90X program, they encourage eating 5 times per day. 3 meals and 2 snacks. I break mine up even more. I tend to eat about 7 times a day. By doing this, my body is in the habit of breaking down food regularly and the steady consumption of food increases the metabolic rate. If you add in a steady workout program, like P90X, then your metabolism becomes "crazy-high". When your body is used to processing food and exercising, then when you have a cheat day, it doesn't hurt you. In fact, I found out that some body builders actually believe that having a "cheat day" when you eat large amounts of food will supercharge your metabolism for a brief amount of time. These bodybuilders believe that a regularly built in "cheat day" helps to keep their metabolic rate up. I have to research this more to know what it's all about. If you have any insights into this topic, please share. I'm interested in working towards keeping my metabolism up.
Not sure what topic I'll cover next...feel free to submit ideas that might be on your mind! Have a great night!!
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